Naples man accused of selling fake diamond to jeweler

NAPLES: A 36-year-old man faces a fraud charge after authorities say he sold a fake diamond to a Naples jeweler in November.

Michael Rose, manager of Provident Jewelry in Naples, says William Mills walked into the store on November 26, asking whether Rose wanted to buy any "fancy yellow diamonds," according to a Naples Police Department report.

Rose says Mills showed him a 1.67 carat stone along with its certification of authenticity before the business paid him $9,200.

As part of the sale, Mills reportedly signed an agreement stating that he would return the money if grading results proved the diamond was not natural.

On December 9, the Gemological Institute of America notified Rose that the diamond was a fake, according to the report.

Rose says when he called Mills to request a refund, Mills told him he did not have the money.

After interviewing with detectives, Mills was arrested and taken to the Collier County Jail, where he was charged with Scheme to Defraud.